Colorado Lifestyle and Common Dog Accidents

Colorado Inspires Adventure for dogs and their owners, and with that comes dog accidents and vet visits. Knowing the most common dog accidents is a good way to prevent them from happening in the first place, so take note of some of the dog safety tips we give you throughout this article on the eight most common dog accidents in Colorado.

Dog Accidents Caused by Dog Fights

At the top of the list of dog accidents in Colorado are injuries caused by dog fights. Bite wounds and deep scratches are some of the more common dog accident incidents veterinarians are forced to see every week, and this is due to untrained or unsocialized dogs that attack other dogs. While this can most often happen in public locations, it’s not uncommon for dogs to be attacked through fences or house gates by dogs passing by.

Swallowing of Non-Food Items

Dogs are curious creatures, and puppies are especially curious about their surroundings. Young pups chew about anything they can find within the first year or two of life because chewing helps relieve gum and tooth irritation. However, these items are often ingested, causing a significant problem and expensive vet visits for the owner.
Having dog insurance in Colorado is a good idea to mitigate the costs of induced vomiting procedures or even surgery since these procedures can be costly (not to mention the medication that goes along with them). So, if you are getting a new puppy or already have one, speak to a pet insurance provider.

Dog Accidents that cause Broken Bones, Fractures, and Sprains

Another expensive treatment for dogs is fixing a broken leg, cracked rib, or fractured bone in your dog. These accidents occur in multiple ways, such as falling, tripping while running, or being hit by a car. Broken bones and fractures are common sights for veterinarians in Colorado since dog owners often take their pets on adventurous hikes.

Dehydration and Heatstroke

The climate in Colorado can be hot during some months of the year. From April to August, heatstroke and dehydration plague many furry friends. Always ensure your dog has plenty of water during this time of the year, and consider that if your dog is getting a lot of exercise, they also need to drink a lot of water to replace essential fluids.

Poisoning Dog Accidents

Many plants in the US, especially in Colorado, can be fatally poisonous to dogs. Veterinarians are familiar with these poisonous plants and know how to treat them, but only if your dog is brought to them in time. Look out for symptoms like a foaming mouth, extreme lethargy, loss of balance, and whimpering after a walk.
These signs could indicate that your dog has been poisoned. Note also that it isn’t unheard of for criminals to poison dogs before they break into your property, so be diligent in keeping an eye on your dog to notice any strange behavior.

Dog Accidents Burns and Paw Lacerations

Burn Wounds

While somewhat less common than the issues mentioned above, burn wounds are also among the most common dog accidents in Colorado due to household accidents. Curious dogs may knock over a pot of boiling water or burn themselves on your stovetop, trying to sniff out your dinner. Burn wounds can take a long time to heal, so be prepared for multiple vet visits if this happens to your dog.

Paw Lacerations and Burns

Dog owners often forget to check their paws for cuts and burns. Walking on hot surfaces can severely damage your dog’s paws over time, and walking over rough terrain poses multiple risks of thorns, broken glass, and thistles. If you notice that your dog is struggling to walk and whimpering, lay them down on their side and examine their paws quickly.

Lead Related Dog Accidents

Many dogs struggle to walk on a lead, causing much frustration for the dog owner walking them. If a dog pulls a lot while on a lead, this can lead to all kinds of problems for both the dog and the human. Vets (and doctors) often see sprains and dislocated joints due to this issue, so make sure your dog is accustomed to walking on a lead.

Be Prepared for Possible Dog Accidents

Remember to become as familiar with your dog as possible so that health issues are spotted early. If you witness an accident, recall every detail to your veterinarian so they can be fully equipped to deal with the problem correctly. If you live in Colorado, get your pet insurance in order just in case something unexpected happens.

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